translation

noun

trans·la·tion | \ tran(t)s-ˈlā-shən,

tranz-\

Definition of translation

1 : an act, process, or instance of translating: such as

a : a rendering from one language into another also : the product of such a rendering

b : a change to a different substance, form, or appearance : conversion

c(1) : a transformation of coordinates in which the new axes are parallel to the old ones

(2) : uniform motion of a body in a straight line

2 : the process of forming a protein molecule at a ribosomal site of protein synthesis from information contained in messenger RNA — compare transcription sense 3

Other Words from translation Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about translation

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Examples of translation in a Sentence

She is working on a translation of the novel. a new translation of the Iliad There were English translations on the menu. the translation of economic power into political strength

Recent Examples on the Web

Trying to understand health insurance can be like learning a foreign language that might cost you a boatload of money if anything gets lost in translation. — Mattie Quinn, SELF, "How to Get Birth Control and STI Testing If You’re on Your Parent’s Insurance," 5 Dec. 2018 But this year, the National Book Foundation has expanded its scope and added a brand new category to recognize literature in translation, for a total of 25 finalists. — Constance Grady, Vox, "We read all 25 National Book Award finalists for 2018. Here’s what we thought.," 15 Nov. 2018 Both operas will be sung in Italian, using the critical editions published by Ricordi, and the dialogues will be rendered in a new English translation created by Milioto and Hutchison. — John Von Rhein, chicagotribune.com, "How a double bill of Donizetti rarities wound up at Chicago Opera Theater," 10 Apr. 2018 Yet a fluent, pacy new translation by Michael Hofmann gainsays that assumption, opening up the book for English-speakers. — The Economist, "The real resonances, and warnings, of Weimar Germany," 8 Mar. 2018 Earlier this year, Mark Cuban asked fans on Weibo to submit new translations for the term Mavericks, and then put the best options up to a fan vote. — Nick Schwartz, For The Win, "The Dallas Mavs are now known as the 'Lone Ranger Heroes' in China," 4 Jan. 2018 Tina Kover’s translation from French is lively and complex, with Négar Djavadi’s rich, elegant sentences shining through. — Constance Grady, Vox, "We read all 25 National Book Award finalists for 2018. Here’s what we thought.," 15 Nov. 2018 Joel Martinsen’s translation is flatter and more passive, and the main character never quite comes to terms with the death of his parents in a way that leaves the story feeling slightly incomplete. — Andrew Liptak, The Verge, "From the author of The Three-Body Problem," 15 Sep. 2018 The translation of petit chou is little cabbage, which sounds almost as cute as this mini-vase will look holding a succulent on your desk or windowsill. — Olivia Hall, The Seattle Times, "5 locally made home finds to spruce up your fall décor," 10 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'translation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near translation

translational research

translative

translatorese

Statistics for translation

Last Updated

10 Jan 2019

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Time Traveler for translation

The first known use of translation was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for translation

translation

noun

English Language Learners Definition of translation

: words that have been changed from one language into a different language : words that have been translated

: the act or process of translating something into a different language

: the act or process of changing something from one form to another

See the full definition for translation in the English Language Learners Dictionary

translation

noun

trans·la·tion | \ trans-ˈlā-shən

Kids Definition of translation

: the act, process, or result of changing from one form or language into another

translation

noun

trans·la·tion | \ tran(t)s-ˈlā-shən, tranz-

Medical Definition of translation

: the process of forming a protein molecule at a ribosomal site of protein synthesis from information contained in messenger RNA — compare transcription